The VL Aero was one of the nicest looking Commodores ever produced and was an optional bodykit for the Bathurst Model. Being based on the Bathurst, it too was also available with either the 4.9L V8 or 5.6L stroker motor. The majority of the kit comes from the Director, minus the wheel arch moulds and the car is fitted with the LE rear deck spoiler.
Based on the Holden Calais, The Aero came with all the luxury items as standard but also introduced some new colours, like Silver Slate. The interior featured either Scheel or Recaro seats with timber finishing on the dash and steering wheel, as well as the door trims. Naturally the steering wheel was supplied by Momo, as was the gearknob on the manual cars
Buyers looking for something extra could have the Bathurst 5.6 V8 for an extra $8250 which lifted power output to an impressive 225kw. Also on offer was Independant Rear Suspension, while wheels were a new version of the HDT Aero’s measuring 16×7 inches with Momo Stars an option also. Suspension was HDT’s System II suspension which consisted of firmer springs and anti roll bars as well as Bilsten shocks and strut inserts.
The Aero kit could be supplied from new at a cost of $17000 on top of the cost of the vehicle, or it was also available to those people who wanted to update their Brock to ’88 levels
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
Engine 1:4.987 Litre (304 Cubic Inch) HDT modified pushrod V8, Overhead Valve – 2 valves per cylinder; Bore x Stroke (mm): 101.6mm x 76.8mm stroke; Max Power 187kw @ 4700rpm; Maximum Torque 415Nm @ 3600rpm.
Engine 2: 5.6 litre pushrod V8 with hand finished high comp cylinder heads, Tuftrided Cam, Heavy duty crank and bearings, oversize pistons for 30 thou oversize bore. Fully balanced and blue printed. Max Power 225kw’s @ 4400rpm and 536nm @ 3200rpm.
INDUCTION
Port matched inlet manifold and 4 barrel Rochester carburettor with port matched inlet manifold. HDT Cold Air Induction with chrome air cleaner lid.
TRANSMISSION
Borg Warner T5 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
Ratios – Manual
1st: 3.25
2nd: 1.99
3rd: 1.29
4th: 1.00
5th: 0.72
Reverse: 3.15
Final Drive: 3.08:1
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate (Torque Convertor in Auto’s)
STEERING
Power assisted Rack & Pinion. 10.7m turning circle. 2.7 turns to lock.
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully independant. Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Live axle located by trailing arms and Panhard rod. Coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Independant Rear Suspension also available.
BRAKES
Power assisted front and rear discs.
WHEELS & TYRES
16 x 7JJ” HDT Series II Aero alloys with 225/50/16 Bridgestone RE71 tyres
COLOURS
Any Holden Colour as well as Silver Slate
FUEL TANK
63 Litres
OPTIONS
IRS: $6500
Bathurst Stroker Engine: $8250
HDT Momo Star wheels
NUMBER BUILT
Unknown
PRICES
$17000 on top of cost of vehicle
IRS: $6500
